Top 6 Cafes in Central Helsinki: From Senate Square to Stockmann

ByMaaret Hours

In the heart of Helsinki, there’s a treasure trove of cozy cafes, each with its own charm. Let’s take a stroll through some of the best ones.

These cafes are all located within a small area bordered by Senate Square, Aleksanterinkatu Street, Esplanade Park, and the Stockmann department store.

Cafes in Central Helsinki

Let’s start our journey from the direction of Senate Square.

1. Cafe Engel

Cafe Engel is located on the edge of Senate Square, across from the Helsinki Cathedral. It is housed within one of Helsinki’s oldest stone buildings, dating back to 1765.

You can enjoy a splendid view of the Helsinki Cathedral from its windows.

The cafe is known for its warm, classic atmosphere and table service (except on Sundays), providing an elegant coffee experience.

But as it is such a central meeting spot, it is usually pretty crowded. It attracts many locals, too, many of whom are regulars.

The café offers a variety of breakfast options, salads, hot dishes, small savory bites, cakes, and pastries.

Another unique feature is its covered courtyard, which transforms into an open-air cinema from July to September, adding a touch of magic to the Helsinki summer.

Is There Table Service or Self-Service Available in Cafes Located in Helsinki?

Table service is not standard in cafes across Helsinki, unlike many other places in Europe.

  • Most cafes operate on a self-service basis, where you order at the counter and carry your items to an available table.
  • Among the cafes we’ve mentioned, only a select few, like Engel, Strindberg, and Aalto, offer table service. 

Self-service may seem unusual if you are used to table service in cafes, as is the case in southern Europe. But this is an essential part of Finnish coffee shop culture.

  • This difference in service culture compared to other countries is partly due to Finland’s higher labor costs.
  • Self-service is a practical approach that most locals have adopted, and tourists may find it odd.

On Finnish summer terraces, a common experience for tourists is to find a free table, settle down, and then realize you need to queue inside to order.

The debate over service culture in Finland is ongoing. Many locals would prefer more table service in cafes, even at a higher cost. However, many Finns value the efficiency and independence of self-service, seeing it as a way to save time and avoid unnecessary expenses

2. Kappeli

Kappeli, a gem in Esplanade Park at Eteläesplanadi 1, is more than just a cafe; it’s a piece of Helsinki’s history. 

This over 100-year-old establishment, opened in 1867, has beautifully retained its original spirit. 

What makes Kappeli stand out is the stunning view of Helsinki’s Empire-style center, designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, almost as if it’s an extension of the cafe itself.

Kappeli is a traditional meeting place in the city center, serving as a cafe, bar, restaurant, and summer terrace. 

It holds a special place in the hearts of Helsinki residents. The summer terrace, in particular, is so popular that it feels like all of Helsinki stops by during the summer months.

The cafe offers many options, catering to sweet and savory preferences. 

The café and the summer terrace operate on a self-service basis.

The Espa Stage, a traditional summer stage with free concerts, is opposite Kappeli. The performances run from May through August, mostly on Wednesdays through Fridays.

In Finland, our relationship with coffee is a serious affair, reflected in our status as the world’s leading coffee consumers.

A Finn drinks about 1,100 cups of coffee every year. In other Nordic countries, consumption is slightly lower, but for example, in France, it’s half.

We have a preference for light roast coffee. Dark roast is only roughly 25% of all coffee consumed in Finland.

The Finnish coffee break, known as “kahvitauko”, is integral to our daily routine, especially at work.

3. Fazer Cafe

Fazer Cafe on Kluuvikatu 3 is a beloved classic with a fantastic interior, starting as a French-Russian confectionery in 1891. 

The selection of treats is extensive, from a broad range of coffees and teas to a tempting variety of cakes, bun, and pastries.

On weekends, there is a popular brunch with a wide selection of savory and sweet treats with coffee, tea, or cocoa.

It also doubles as a delicacy shop.

When the hall is full of people, it can be noisy. It’s worth noting that there is a unique glass dome located at the back of the hall. Interestingly, you can hear conversations on the other side while sitting beneath it.

4. Cafe Strindberg

Located right in the center of Helsinki, Strindberg is an iconic cafe with a wide selection of coffee, tea, and both savory and sweet treats. 

Its most famous feature is the terrace along Pohjois-Esplanadi, bustling on warm summer days. 

Inside, the stylish decor and large windows offer a great view of city life and Esplanade Park.

Table service is offered both on the terrace and throughout the entire cafe.

This cafe often gets busy, as patrons enjoy lingering over their coffees and drinks while engaging in conversations with friends and watching people pass by. Therefore, you might find yourself waiting for a table.

Strindberg is the place where the city’s notable figures often hang out on the terrace during summer days. And why not? We’ve also found ourselves sitting there occasionally; it’s the right spot to look at the hustle and bustle of the Esplanade.

5. Cafe Aalto

Cafe Aalto, located upstairs from the Academic Bookstore, offers an elegant environment with its classically minimalist decor and furnishings. 

The cafe brings a touch of nostalgia with its table service, reminiscent of past service cultures. 

Interestingly, there’s a Starbucks on the ground floor of the same building.

Lunch is served on weekdays, starting at 11:00 am. The cafe also offers an afternoon tea featuring a variety of tea delicacies for 34 euros. This special tea service is available only by reservation, which needs to be made two days in advance.

Opened in 1986, Cafe Aalto has been a family-run business from the start, adding a personal touch to its service.

  • Website
  • Address: Pohjoisesplanadi 39 (Academic Bookstore, 2nd floor)
  • Location: Google Maps

6. La Torrefazione

Last but not least is La Torrefazione, a cozy and popular little cafe known for its excellent coffee. Tucked away on Aleksanterinkatu Street, it’s on the second floor, behind the narrow stairs. 

You’ll enjoy fantastic street views if you’re lucky enough to snag one of the few window tables.

Alternatively, sitting at the counter-like table near the service area also offers great views. 

The cafe is small and fills up quickly, but being somewhat hidden on the second floor, you may still find a table.

However, be prepared for possible queuing due to the self-service setup.

It’s a favorite spot for locals for morning coffee, lunch, or a quick coffee to go. They also serve brunch on weekends.

Cafe Esplanad

Unfortunately, Cafe Esplanad, a popular spot on the edge of Esplanade Park, is temporarily closed due to building renovations. It’s set to reopen in 2024. 

Keep an eye on Cafe Esplanad for updates.

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